TSA workers ratify first union contract

By
Jolie Lee

In August, the federal union American Federation of Government Employees and the
Transportation Security Administration reached a deal on the first-ever union
contract for TSOs, who are responsible for screening people and baggage at the
nation's airports.

The final vote was 17,326 to 1,774.

"This agreement will mean better working conditions, fair evaluation practices and
safer workplaces, and in doing so, it will improve morale. This is important
because
low morale leads to unsafe levels of attrition in an agency where a stable,
professional workforce of career employees is vital to its national security
mission," said J. David Cox, AFGE president, in a statement.

The contract that AFGE and TSA agreed to included increasing the uniform allowance
from $232 to $317 per year, as well as providing three pairs of pants and three
shirts at no cost.

TSOs will also have more consistency on annual leave bidding and shift trades,
according to a release from the union.

The ratification of the contract represents the culmination of 11 years of
organizing efforts, AFGE said.

At that time, TSA Administrator John Pistole said the agreement represents a
"significant milestone" in the agency's relationship with its employees.